Parson Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terrier is a working variant of the fox terrier. The breed personifies the type preferred and developed by Reverend John Russell, an avid fox hunter from the county Devon, England, during the nineteenth century.

The Parson Russell Terrier dog was developed to run with horses and hounds so that when the hounds drove a fox to ground the terrier followed, baying to bolt his quarry to the surface so the chase could continue.

The breed remained popular with hunters and horsemen throughout the 20th century and in January of 1990, it was recognized in England by The Kennel Club. Today, it is valued more for its lively companionship than its innate hunting ability.

Parson Russell Terrier Temperament

The Parson Russell Terrier is bold and friendly, intelligent and feisty. Proper socialization is key for a well-behaved terrier. Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds and horses.

Parson Russell Terrier

General Appearance: Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and endurance. An overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honorable scars are permissible.

Neck: Clean, muscular, of good length, gradually widening to shoulders.

Forequarters: Strong, must be straight with joints turning neither m nor out. Shoulders: Long and sloping, well laid back, cleanly cut at withers. Elbows: Close to body, working free of the sides.

Parson Russell Terrier

Body: Well balanced. Overall length slightly longer than height from withers to ground. Back: Strong and straight. Loin: Slightly arched. Chest: Of moderate depth, not to come below point of elbow, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average size hands. Ribs not over- sprung.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.